CLASSIC COMBO
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In the remote eastern corner of Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, lies an area known historically as the Tuli enclave - a diverse wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone outcrops. It is here that the largest of the Rattray Reserves is situated - Mashatu Game Reserve.
The name is derived from the magnificent mashatu trees, which are prevalent throughout this immense tract of privately owned land. Mashatu is also the home of no less than seven of Africa’s giants: the African elephant, the lion, the giraffe, the baobab tree, the eland, the ostrich, and the kori bustard.
It is fitting therefore, that some 75,000 acres/30,000 hectares of pristine game land, be set aside for these unique, prodigious features of this exhilarating continent. |
Mashatu Game Reserve, an area of history and legend, offers some of the most exciting
game viewing in Africa. It is a place of exceptional beauty where one can explore the
rugged, un-spoiled African landscapes in the comfort of open 4-wheel drive vehicles, guided
by expert rangers and experienced trackers. In addition to the game experience, Mashatu
offers a view of Africa, unchanged since the days of early visitors such as Kipling, Selous
and artist/explorer Sir Thomas Baines. Historic and archeological sites abound; notable are
the Motloutse Ruins and the Pitsani Koppie sites.
The excitement of Mashatu has not changed over time. It is still home to large herds of
elephant, prides of lion and cheetah. Along the river courses, huge mashatu trees provide
shade for eland, impala, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra, whilst at night, the bat eared fox,
African wild cat and the magnificent leopard search for prey. Some 350 species of birds may
be seen. Mashatu Game Reserve proudly provides a refuge for the largest, single population
of elephant on privately-owned land in Africa. Known as the relic herds of Shashe, these
elephants are the last living testament to the great herds that once populated the
meandering Limpopo valley. Today, the population on Mashatu Game Reserve alone, is
estimated to number in excess of 700.
The wildlife experience at Mashatu is personalised. Dedicated, experienced Tswana rangers
and trackers are keen to show you their world. Radio-linked 4-wheel drive vehicles set out at
dawn and again at dusk in search of the diverse variety of fauna and flora which abound
throughout the reserve.
For the adventurous at heart, Mashatu is certainly the place to be. We have expanded our
portfolio of activities to include horse-back safaris (ad-hoc rides also available for guests at
either Mashatu Main Camp or Mashatu Tent Camp); specialized walking safaris and
mountain-biking safaris. Our resident scientists are also on hand to guide guests through an
intimate experience with Mashatu's elephants, as well as of the numerous archaeological
sites scattered throughout the property. The richness of the Mashatu experience is without
question, and is certainly unparalleled.
Whether you visit Mashatu for the relaxation of un-spoiled Africa, for the adrenalin of
adventure in the wild, or the quiet luxury of the camps, you will not be disappointed.
MASHATU MAIN CAMP
At the end of an unforgettable game drive, experience the well known hospitality of Mashatu Main Camp. Enjoy dinner around the fire in the lala-palm boma under a canopy of a million stars, overlooking the flood-lit waterhole. Relax around the pool, or on the thatched verandah and experience the ‘at home’ friendliness and service. Mashatu is a refuge of unparalleled ‘bushveld’ comfort and service, blending in harmoniously with the game lands and teeming wildlife surrounding the camp.
Accommodation at Mashatu Main Camp includes insect-proofed luxury suites with a large comfortable en-suite bathroom. Large panoramic windows open onto the African bush where guests can relax and savour the sights and smells from their own suites. Two large beds complete the well appointed rooms. This camp has a magnificent viewing deck directly off the bar or “gin trap”, together with an elevated lounge overlooking the water-hole. The capacity at Mashatu Main Camp is twenty eight guests in fourteen newly renovated luxury suites.
MASHATU TENT CAMP
Nestled in the remote northern area of the reserve lies Mashatu Tent Camp. With never more than sixteen guests, this idyllic getaway provides accommodation in the form of eight twin tents. Although rustic in character every facility is provided. The tents are insectproofed, have comfortable beds and each has an en-suite shower and W.C. facility. There is an open-sided thatch deck where meals are served, and a traditional boma for intimate campfire dinners. This camp also contains a very welcome plunge pool. Your total comfort is the priority of your hosts. While on game drives, you will be taken care of by your ranger and on your return to base, the camp staff will gladly attend to your every need. |
MALAMALA GAME RESERVE
At nearly 33 000 acres (13 200 hectares) MalaMala Game Reserve is by far the largest
piece of land within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. MalaMala has become famous by sheer
virtue of the consistency and quality of the game viewing. Supported by the various wildlife
documentaries that have been filmed on the property (including National Geographic),
MalaMala continues to offer the discerning traveler with unparalled and exclusive views of
Africa’s finest – from the Big 5, to a multitude of smaller creatures which add colour to the
food chain.
MalaMala represents authentic Africa, and is designed to support the experience of the
bush. One will find outstandingly comfortable rooms, the renowned personal service and
high quality camp cuisine. Located on the banks of the Sand River, the camp offers
magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding bush.
The individually decorated, spacious and comfortable rooms under traditional thatching
(including luxury rooms, luxury suites and family rooms), enjoy spectacular views and are
equipped with “his” and “hers” bathrooms, 24 hour temperature control, insect proofing,
direct dial telephones, a mini-bar and a mini safe. Despite the comfort offered, MalaMala
retains an authentic camp atmosphere, where the attention to detail for which MalaMala is
world famous is obvious.
Dinner, where one may enjoy venison specialties and sumptuous bush cuisine is served in
the grand old African manner, under the stars in a reed enclosed boma, a MalaMala tradition
for over 60 years. Seated around a log fire, under the starry African sky, enjoying superb
food and outstanding South African wines is yet another highlight of the MalaMala
experience.
The spacious, beautifully decorated Buffalo lounge displaying bronzes, works of art and
animal trophies leads onto an expansive wooden deck which provides an elevated view of
animals watering in the Sand River.
MOUNT ANDERSON RANCH
Set in the dramatic highveld of the Drakensberg Mountains of the Mpumalanga Province which sweep up to the 7,500 ft Mount Anderson Peak, this 8,000 ha/20,000 acre property provides an exclusive location for an unforgettable fishing and wildlife getaway. No less than five major rivers rise on the ranch providing magnificent trout fishing facilities, a wide variety of fauna and flora and a remarkable selection of indigenous game and birdlife. Proclaimed in 1990 as a water conservancy, this unique venture provides environmental protection to Africa’s high altitude flora and fauna. Guests at Mount Anderson Ranch can enjoy a wide diversity of activities in the company of a qualified ranger and host. A compatible consequence of protecting the water catchments has been the outstanding trout fishing available on the property. There are extensive fishing opportunities for Brown and Rainbow trout with a total of 24 weirs, a large lake and long river catchments. The quality and diversity of the trout fishing suits all levels of ability from beginner to the more experienced. High quality fly-fishing rods and reels are available.
A wildlife safari conducted in a 4-wheel drive vehicle or on horseback, in the mountains surrounding the homestead will yield herds of Africa’s less famous antelope including eland, black wildebeest, blesbuck, mountain reedbuck or oribi. Catch a brief glimpse of predators
like the elusive leopard, jackal or caracal. Whilst you might occasionally hear baboons barking from the cliff tops, the only disturbance to the solitude of one’s trout fishing experience is caused by Africa’s game approaching the streams to drink. Indigenous birdlife includes the brilliant malachite sunbird, the fish eagle and francolin.
The relics of the gold mining era of the 1920’s and 1930’s still remain on the property, and many workings are easily visible. Old miners’ houses, a mining press and deep level shafts bear witness to the harshness of the conditions in which the pioneers worked.
Guests may explore these old gold mine workings and shafts and even try their hand panning for gold. The pink stone, ranch-style homestead situated in the Krantzkloof valley on Mount Anderson Ranch, is totally secluded and tastefully furnished to the highest standards.
The limited number of six guests have exclusive use of the house together with their own team of staff, which gives the feeling of being in a private, luxurious home. Accommodation is in three double rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. In addition, there are two elegant, spacious lounges, a dining room, fully equipped snooker room and a terrace overlooking the tiered trout ponds which offer stunning views, particularly at sunset.
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